[Dave Willis]

In the past I normally whip the tape off - drives me nuts when it puckers up and jams the pole so normally I work without it.
Pole obviously tends to wear quicker and will not be as stiff.
Just stripped my pole down for a clean and was rather surprised to see this.
I think I may be renewing the tape more often.

What do other manufacturers use? I remember in the early days some fibreglass poles had a plastic collar thing at the base.

[Smudger]

Your such an animal dave 

Darran

[slap bash]

Use  Heat shrink tube.
off e Bay.

[Dave Willis]

actually, at first glance that sounds promising. Might be a bit thick though?